Project Background: Nanwanggang Township in Xinyang City was dissolved during a township merger and administrative restructuring years ago. As a result, the original township government courtyard gradually fell into abandonment after being decommissioned. Similarly, the grain reserve warehouse, once closely linked to the township government, has been out of use for many years. The entire site is divided into two parts, and our primary challenge was to revitalize and empower these two adjacent yet unused collective assets through design.
△ Comparison of old and new government buildings
On the north side of the site stands the original Nanwanggang grain reserve warehouse, comprising three granaries constructed between the 1970s and 1980s. Despite their relatively short history, these buildings clearly reflect the planned economy era. Currently abandoned, the courtyard is dilapidated and disorderly due to years of neglect. To the south lies the former township government courtyard, featuring a main building made of brick and concrete prefabricated floor slabs. This structure no longer complies with current building codes and requires significant structural reinforcement and refurbishment. Although only about 30 years old, the building has been left idle for a long time, with many auxiliary structures having collapsed.
From 2018 to 2020, our design team partnered with Xiangban Cultural Tourism to revitalize and repurpose this public building complex, rebranding it as the Dabie Mountain Reception Hall. The project’s goal was to transform and reuse this abandoned public asset, preserving its original architectural character while activating its new value for contemporary rural life.
The original buildings primarily utilized brick and concrete hollow floor structures, incorporating construction methods such as rubble masonry, brick walls, and precast concrete floors. However, craftsmanship was poor, and the buildings lacked adequate structural components. Most no longer meet current building regulations, necessitating complex structural reinforcement and renovation, which posed significant design challenges.
During site planning, we respected the original architectural texture and maximized the preservation of spatial scale. The site was divided into three clusters of squares with distinct functions based on the new business model. A cycling station was established on the south side along the base road, featuring an open gateway square that has organically become the main activity hub of the residential area.
The township government office and original grain warehouse were repurposed as a hotel and conference center, with the northern campus emphasizing privacy. The eastern open land and water features were reorganized into shared vegetable gardens and landscaped water surfaces. Through strategies such as partial building elevation, renovation, terrain modification, and redesigned circulation paths, we seamlessly integrated the two previously unrelated building clusters into interconnected courtyards. Additionally, mature trees on the site were fully preserved in the landscaping design.
On the north side, the three granaries vary in volume and facade style, reflecting their different construction periods. Each has been transformed based on its unique characteristics into shared restaurants, warehouse-style guesthouses, and conference centers.
The 7th granary features a narrow floor plan positioned adjacent to the government building. Its red brick exterior walls have suffered from settlement and cracking. We endeavored to preserve its unique structural logic and spatial form through reinforcement. Functional windows were integrated following the original structure, and a distinct concrete cylinder was introduced, creating a striking contrast of old and new. This raised concrete cylinder, combined with the original walls and newly added cold-rolled steel window frames and eaves, forms a cohesive whole that bridges the north and south spaces. The narrow gap between the granary and government building was transformed into a semi-private transitional square by expanding the partially elevated township office.
Comparison of the new and old Grain Storage Warehouse No. 7
The 8th granary is distinguished by its unique masonry arched roof with a single span arranged in parallel—its most striking architectural feature. We preserved the original arch design while redesigning the facade with cold-rolled steel window openings. Inside, the space was transformed into five loft-style guesthouses, each with a distinct spatial theme. This historically significant dome creates a living environment that balances modern functionality with strong historical character. The interiors feature solid wood panels and plain cement finishes, complemented by five natural bamboo partitions in the courtyard, evoking a serene and warm atmosphere within the originally industrial, cold building.
Comparison of the old and new 8th granary
Due to poor structural conditions, the 9th granary was converted into a large conference center. Using renovation techniques similar to those applied to Warehouse 7, we inserted a sculptural concrete cylinder that serves as the main circulation core. This feature not only enhances the building’s openness but also provides a strong public identity. The second-floor conference area connects to the northern courtyard via an extended bridge, facilitating direct interaction between the building and courtyard, reinforcing the unity of the northern facade.
Comparison of old and new 9th granary
The three buildings on the south side are primarily constructed from clay and red bricks, blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. To distinguish them from residential buildings and reflect their public function, the cycling station features a structured façade conveying uniformity and stability. The exhibition hall and water bar incorporate varied brick patterns and enclosed courtyards, infusing a southern garden charm into the northern architecture—well suited to the cultural fusion characteristic of Xinyang, a region bridging north and south.
The township government building is a corridor-style structure, with the original corridor located on the south side and rooms facing north for natural light. To accommodate its new function as hotel rooms, a new transportation corridor and emergency staircase were added on the north side. The original corridor was converted into a south-facing balcony with large bay windows, ensuring all rooms receive southern exposure. The alternating suite layouts introduce new rhythm and variation to the previously modular facade. The building’s exterior features white ceramic tiles, which were painted white during renovation, creating a distinct contrast with the red brick structures on the south side and highlighting its unique volume and function.
Project Drawings
△ Rural texture
△ First floor plan
△ Axonometric diagram
△ Cycling Station
△ Waterfront Book Bar
Project Information
Architectural Design: Hemeng Design
Area: 7,800 m²
Project Year: 2020
Photographer: Wu Qingshan
Architectural Design Team: Yuan Junhong, Zhao Xiangpu, Liu Qiong, Liu Jing, Yang Wen, Xu Yifeng, Su Wang, Chen Tianyi
Interior Design Team: Zhu Jiajue, Yuan Junhong, Zhao Xiangpu, et al.
Client: Xiangban Cultural Tourism
Landscape Design: Shanghai Times Architecture Design Co., Ltd.
Construction: Fengqiao Construction
Partner: Haier Architecture
Location: Xinyang, China
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